Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among informal carers: a systematic review of international literature

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Rosie K. Lindsay Anglia Ruskin University, UK

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Jitka Vseteckova The Open University, UK

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Joanna Horne The Open University, UK

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Lee Smith Anglia Ruskin University, UK

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Mike Trott Queen’s University Belfast, UK

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Joseph De Lappe The Open University, UK

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Pinar Soysal Bezmialem Vakif University, Turkey

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Damiano Pizzol Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Sudan

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Nichola Kentzer The Open University, UK

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Physical activity is beneficial for overall health; however, informal carers may have lower levels of physical activity than non-carers. The primary aim of this systematic review was to identify barriers and facilitators to physical activity from the perspective of carers internationally, excluding the UK. The study found that barriers to physical activity include lack of time, fatigue, lack of motivation and lack of support. Facilitators of physical activity include health and well-being as a motivator, using physical activity as a coping mechanism, and social support. Participating with the care recipient and care duties were both barriers and facilitators depending on the study or participant.

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Rosie K. Lindsay Anglia Ruskin University, UK

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Jitka Vseteckova The Open University, UK

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Joanna Horne The Open University, UK

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Lee Smith Anglia Ruskin University, UK

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Mike Trott Queen’s University Belfast, UK

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Joseph De Lappe The Open University, UK

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Pinar Soysal Bezmialem Vakif University, Turkey

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Damiano Pizzol Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Sudan

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Nichola Kentzer The Open University, UK

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